Shears

About Shears

Power shears are specialised cutting tools designed to slice through sheet metal, plastics, and other tough materials with precision and ease. Unlike traditional hand shears or aviation snips, powered shears deliver consistent cutting force through electric or battery-driven motors, making them indispensable for professionals working with metal fabrication, roofing, HVAC installation, and automotive repair. Modern cordless shears offer exceptional manoeuvrability on site, whilst corded models provide continuous power for workshop-based cutting tasks.

Today's professional shears range from compact 10.8V models ideal for detailed work to powerful 18V brushless systems capable of cutting through 1.6mm mild steel or heavier gauge materials. Metal shears typically feature different head configurations including straight shears for linear cuts, offset shears for improved visibility and clearance, and swivel head models that rotate for curved cutting applications. Many contemporary models incorporate tool-free blade changing systems, adjustable cutting speeds, and ergonomic designs that reduce hand fatigue during extended use.

The market offers various specialist configurations beyond standard metal shears, including universal shears for mixed materials, rotary cutters for fabric and flexible materials, and multi-cutters that handle diverse cutting applications. Premium models from manufacturers like Makita, Bosch, and DeWalt feature brushless motors for extended runtime and longevity, whilst entry-level options provide excellent value for occasional users and DIY enthusiasts tackling home improvement projects.

Jargon Buster

• Offset Shears: Shears with the cutting head positioned below the motor body, providing better visibility of the cutting line and allowing the tool to glide across the workpiece without the motor housing obstructing the material.
• Swivel Head: A rotating head mechanism that allows the cutting blades to pivot 360 degrees, enabling the user to cut intricate curves and circles without repositioning the entire tool or material.
• Cutting Capacity: The maximum thickness of material the shears can cut, typically measured in millimetres for mild steel. Professional models usually cut between 1.2mm and 2.0mm depending on material hardness.
• Strokes Per Minute (SPM): The number of cutting strokes the blades make per minute, typically ranging from 1,400 to 2,600 SPM. Higher speeds generally produce cleaner cuts but may reduce control on detailed work.
• Nibbler Action: A cutting mechanism that removes small crescents of material with each stroke, common in universal shears. This produces a kerf (cut width) of approximately 4-6mm but eliminates distortion of the surrounding material.
• Straight Shears: Shears designed for cutting in straight lines or gentle curves, with the cutting head aligned with the motor body. Ideal for general sheet metal work and panel cutting.

Who Uses Shears?

Professional tradespeople across numerous industries rely on power shears for efficient material cutting:

• Roofers and Cladding Specialists: Cutting metal roofing sheets, flashing, guttering, and corrugated materials on site
• HVAC Engineers: Fabricating and modifying ductwork, cutting sheet metal for ventilation systems and air conditioning installations
• Metal Fabricators: Precision cutting of steel, aluminium, and other metals in workshops and manufacturing environments
• Automotive Body Repair Technicians: Trimming replacement panels, modifying body parts, and cutting through vehicle metalwork
• Electricians: Cutting cable tray, metal conduit, and electrical enclosures during installation work
• Shopfitters and Joiners: Working with metal frames, aluminium sections, and mixed materials in commercial fit-out projects
• Agricultural and Fencing Contractors: Cutting corrugated sheeting, mesh, and metal panels for building and repair work
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects involving guttering installation, garage repairs, and metalwork modifications

How to Choose the Right Shears

Power Source and Voltage: Cordless models at 12V offer excellent portability for lighter-duty work and overhead cutting with reduced weight, whilst 18V systems deliver greater cutting capacity and sustained power for demanding professional applications. Corded shears provide unlimited runtime for workshop use but restrict mobility on site. Consider whether you're working from existing battery platforms like Makita LXT or DeWalt XR to maximise battery interchangeability.

Cutting Capacity and Head Type: Match the shears' cutting capacity to your typical material thickness—most professional models handle 1.2-1.6mm mild steel comfortably. Straight shears suit general cutting tasks, offset models provide better visibility and access in tight spaces, whilst swivel head shears excel at curved and circular cuts. Universal shears with nibbler action handle corrugated materials and offer greater versatility across different material types.

Motor Technology: Brushless motors deliver approximately 50% longer runtime per charge, require virtually no maintenance, and provide greater longevity than brushed equivalents. For professional daily use, the premium for brushless technology quickly pays dividends through reduced downtime and extended tool life. DIY users working occasionally may find brushed motor models offer adequate performance at lower cost.

Ergonomics and Weight: Shears weighing under 1.5kg reduce fatigue during extended use, particularly for overhead work. Look for rubberised grips, well-balanced designs, and conveniently positioned switches. Variable speed triggers provide better control when starting cuts or working with different materials, whilst lock-on buttons enable comfortable continuous operation.

Blade Quality and Availability: Replaceable blades are consumables that require periodic changing. Check that replacement blades are readily available and reasonably priced for your chosen model. Higher-quality blades maintain sharpness longer and deliver cleaner cuts. Tool-free blade changing systems significantly reduce downtime during busy jobs.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement Blade Sets: Essential consumables including centre blades and side blades specific to your shear model. Professional users should maintain spare sets to avoid work interruptions when blades become dull.
• Additional Battery Packs: Extra batteries ensure continuous operation throughout the working day. Higher capacity (4.0Ah-5.0Ah) batteries extend runtime but add weight, whilst 2.0-3.0Ah packs offer better power-to-weight ratios.
• Cutting Lubricants: Specialist lubricants reduce friction, extend blade life, and improve cut quality, particularly when working with stainless steel or other challenging materials.
• Safety Equipment: Cut-resistant gloves protect against sharp metal edges, whilst safety glasses shield eyes from metal fragments generated during cutting operations.
• Carry Cases: Protective storage cases keep shears and accessories organised whilst preventing damage during transportation between jobs.
• Workbenches and Clamps: Secure workholding equipment enables safer, more accurate cutting, particularly for detailed work requiring both hands on the tool.

Safety Information

Power shears generate sharp metal fragments and swarf that pose significant eye injury risks. Always wear appropriate safety glasses or face shields conforming to EN166 standards when operating these tools. Cut-resistant gloves meeting EN388 standards protect hands from sharp material edges, though ensure gloves don't compromise grip or dexterity.

The cutting action produces burrs and sharp edges on cut materials—handle freshly cut metal with care and deburr edges promptly. When working with coated or painted metals, ensure adequate ventilation as cutting can release potentially harmful particles or fumes. Maintain awareness that metal swarf can be hot immediately after cutting and may cause burns.

Always disconnect batteries or unplug corded models before changing blades or performing maintenance. Worn or damaged blades should be replaced immediately as they compromise cutting quality and increase the risk of tool kickback or loss of control. Follow HSE guidance regarding appropriate PPE for your specific work environment, particularly when working in confined spaces or at height.

Ensure workpieces are properly secured before cutting—hand-holding sheet metal whilst cutting significantly increases injury risk. Be mindful of your hand position relative to the cutting path and never reach across the cutting line. When working overhead, take regular breaks to prevent fatigue-related accidents and ensure secure footing at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between metal shears and nibblers?

Metal shears cut material using a scissor-like action with minimal material removal, producing cuts approximately 2-3mm wide. Nibblers (or universal shears with nibbler action) remove small crescents of material with each stroke, creating a kerf of 4-6mm but generating less distortion in the surrounding material. Nibblers excel at corrugated materials and tight curves, whilst standard shears provide faster, cleaner cuts in flat sheet metal.

Can I cut stainless steel with standard metal shears?

Whilst most quality metal shears can cut thin stainless steel (typically up to 0.8-1.0mm), the material's hardness significantly reduces blade life and demands more power than equivalent mild steel. For regular stainless steel work, verify your chosen shears explicitly support this application and maintain sharp blades. Using cutting lubricant substantially improves performance and extends blade longevity when working with stainless steel and other hard materials.

How often should I replace shear blades?

Blade life varies tremendously based on material type, thickness, and cutting frequency. Professional tradespeople cutting daily may replace blades monthly, whilst occasional users might achieve years of service. Replace blades when you notice increased effort required to cut, rougher cut edges, or distortion of the material. Dull blades strain the motor, reduce battery life, and compromise cutting quality, so regular replacement actually proves more economical than extending blade life excessively.

Are cordless shears powerful enough for professional use?

Modern 18V cordless shears with brushless motors deliver performance rivalling corded models for the vast majority of professional applications. They typically handle 1.2-1.6mm mild steel continuously throughout a full battery charge, with 5.0Ah batteries providing sufficient runtime for a typical working day. The mobility and convenience benefits usually outweigh the marginal power advantage of corded models, though workshop-based users working with maximum thickness materials continuously may still prefer corded options.

What's the advantage of offset versus straight shears?

Offset shears position the cutting head below the motor body, allowing the tool to rest flat against the workpiece whilst providing clear visibility of the cutting line. This design proves particularly valuable when cutting large sheets laid flat or following marked lines. Straight shears align the head with the motor body, offering better balance for vertical cuts and working in confined spaces. Many professionals maintain both configurations for different applications, though offset models generally provide greater versatility for sheet metal work.